A/N Just to let you know that I'm going to be backing off from updating so much for a while. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and Lent begins so I'm using some writing time for prayer. Also I'm noticing that not so many people are reading and reviewing. While I'll still update, it will be a bit farther in between. Thanks to all those who are still with me and if you celebrate Lent have a blessed one.

I own nothing

Ch 21 Mergers

Saturday evening Lorelai and Rory were in the midst of getting ready. Rory was getting her hair done by Lorelai and Lorelai was getting her hair done by Sookie. Luke was getting dressed in the guest house because he didn't want to experience the craziness that was going on in his home.

Jess was watching TV before his shift at the diner. He'd cleaned the grease traps last night which got him out of Friday night dinner so he was trying to figure out which would have been more painful and he'd decided that listening to Emily go on about the dance tonight would have been worse. From what Luke said, Richard was pissed at Emily because Christopher was going to be at this shindig. At least he was supposed to be.

Jess smiled as he saw Rory run up the stairs in her robe that covered this huge slip thing. She reminded him of Scarlet O'Hara as she went up to get her dress on. Luke strode into the living room in his tux. Jess grinned and Luke glared at him.

"Hey, double oh seven, looking good." Jess chided him.

"Shut up Jess or the traps will need cleaning next Friday too." Luke was really uncomfortable, but it was for Rory.

Luke was looking in the mirror trying to get the white bowtie straight. He had gotten used to the black one, but for some reason the white was more difficult to get even. In the mirror he saw a flash of white and turned around to see Rory come down the stairs looking beautiful. She looked so grown up he felt his eyes fill with tears.

"Rory you look beautiful, so grown up." Luke whispered as Rory flashed him the Gilmore smile. For a second Luke felt sorry for all the men who would want to have that smile in their lives until he realized that his nephew was one of those and his heart broke for him. Yep, Lilibet was heading for a convent when she reached nine.

Jess also saw Rory descending the stairs and his breath caught in his chest. God she was gorgeous and he then realized that Huntzberger was going to get to dance with her. Rory had seen the look in his eyes and she was pleased until all of a sudden his eyes turned almost black.

Before another war could break out Lorelai appeared on the landing and Luke was stunned. He felt like his capacity to breathe had been taken away from him. She was gorgeous in her emerald gown with her hair elegantly arranged in a loose knot at the back of her head and soft tendrils framing her face. It might have been the make-up, or the glow of pregnancy but Luke couldn't ever remember seeing anyone this beautiful.

Lorelai was a little concerned at the lack of response she was getting from Luke until she saw that his eyes were darker than she'd ever seen. She giggled a bit realizing that she felt nervous standing in front of her friend of six years and husband of almost one. The man who'd seen her in every conceivable position and he's seen parts of her no other person had or ever would. Yet waiting for him to respond to her standing on the second floor landing of their house she found herself nervous.

Luke finally found some semblance of his voice back and whispered, "Wow."

Rory and Jess were witnessing this event and Rory giggled at how Luke loved her mom. She knew she was beautiful in the gown, but Luke's reaction was priceless. Lorelai was grinning as she descended the final stairs and walked over to Luke. She gently placed her hand on his chest and leaned in for a kiss.

"Pretty," she said as she fingered his white bowtie.

"Men aren't pretty," he growled.

Luke watched her approach him as though in a dream. When she leaned in to kiss him his brain finally registered that this was his wife, who was carrying his child and as they pulled apart he had a grin a mile wide on his face. He ran his hand over the baby bump and just marveled at his damn luck.

Lorelai giggled and said, "Glad you like the dress it's very expensive."

Luke grinned back at her and whispered, "If it cost a million bucks it still isn't near what you look like in it."

With that he put his arm around her possessively and turned to Rory. "Let's get this show on the road. Jess, we'll see you later this evening, don't burn down the diner."

Jess snorted as the group went out the door wishing it was him who was going to be dancing with Rory that night.

When the small group arrived at the hall Emily was at the door waiting to whisk Rory away to have her hair and make-up re-done.

"Mom, really, Rory looks beautiful, she doesn't need anything else." Lorelai rolled her eyes at her mother's insistence.

"Really Lorelai you'd think this was just another night. Tonight Rory will be presented to society and all of Hartford will see her. Everything must be perfect." Emily was fussing with Rory's hair and the collar of her dress. Lorelai looked at Luke who shrugged and took her hand.

"Let's get something to drink ok?" He was looking to put distance between himself and his mother-in-law. Lorelai gave Rory one last forlorn look and followed her husband back to the bar area.

Luke left Lorelai by a pillar as he waited in line. He smiled as he saw a group of men turn to look at her. She was quite frankly the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and he was amazed she was his wife. As he ordered two waters with lime he saw a very made up woman approach Lorelai. He noticed how her posture shifted to a more defensive stance and he willed the bartender to hurry up.

Lorelai saw her approaching and hoped she didn't recognize her. It was Suzanne Clark who was the older sister of a girl from Lorelai's class. Suzanne was one of the clueless, but on top of that she had been mean in High School. Lorelai hoped that the years had mellowed her. Suzanne sidled up to Lorelai and seemed to be trying to place her. The funny thing was she recognized her when she noticed she was pregnant.

"Why Lorelai Gilmore! I haven't seen you in what has it been, seventeen years?"

"Hello Suzanne. How are you doing?"

"My dear, I'm fabulous! My Genevieve is making her debut this evening. This is her fourth one and I swear that this escort will be the one! So how about you? Are you and that darling Christopher married?"

Suzanne was almost simpering and Lorelai was about to say something when she heard the sound of Hell opening up.

"Well Suzanne, wouldn't you think Lor and I'd get married by now?"

There in all his cloying glory stood Christopher, drink in one hand and Lorelai realized he was wearing a rented tux. She was stunned into silence for only a second before she caught sight of Luke standing behind her.

"Actually Suzanne, this is my husband," Lorelai said as she reached for Luke's arm.

"Suzanne, this is Luke Danes, my husband and father of my other child."

Lorelai smiled sweetly as she took the drink from Luke's hand. Christopher looked as though he was about to explode, he hadn't noticed that Lorelai was pregnant until that moment.

Luke held out his hand to Suzanne and smiled with his Hartford society smile. He'd seen how Lorelai reacted to this woman even if he hadn't heard the entire conversation.

"Good evening Suzanne. Nice to meet you. Hello Christopher."

Christopher looked like he wanted to throttle Luke right there but then Suzanne asked the age old question.

"So Luke, what do you do?"

Christopher jumped in and helped out. "He owns a diner in a small town called Stars Hollow, Suzanne. It's where these two met. Isn't that sweet?"

Luke realized that this probably wasn't the first drink Christopher had that evening and he began to worry about Rory. He was so worried about his stepdaughter that he missed the look of distain Suzanne gave him as she replied, "How quaint."

At that moment Suzanne's husband and her father-in-law came up to the small crowd. The older man looked at them and his eyes went wide.

"Lucas Danes! I'll be damned! What on earth could bring you out into this dog and pony show in the middle of Hartford?"

Luke almost choked on his water when he recognized Chuck Owens standing in front of him. He sputtered, "Chuck, I'm surprised to see you here. In Hartford and then here specifically at this thing."

Luke was on the verge of losing it, he knew Chuck had family around but he'd never imagined he'd be here.

Chuck looked like it was his lucky day as he told Luke, "Yep, my granddaughter is making her debut tonight, although since this is like the fourth one of these I'm not sure you could classify it as a debut anymore, more like a parade."

Chuck laughed heartily as Luke looked desperately at Lorelai. He didn't want to call attention to himself and here was the owner of Clark Mergers and Acquisitions getting ready to do just that. Luke tried to divert Chuck's attention.

"Chuck, good to see you, I don't believe you've met my wife? This is Lorelai. Lorelai this is Chuck Owens the owner of Clark Mergers and Acquisitions. We're here because my stepdaughter Rory is also making her debut." Luke smiled thinking of Rory in that huge white dress.

Christopher was not happy hearing Luke describe Rory as his stepdaughter so he had to throw his two cents in. "Yes, Rory is Lorelai and my daughter and she is making her debut tonight. As her father I'm presenting her."

Lorelai was feeling slightly lightheaded and she leaned on Luke who noticed the subtle shift in her stance. Chuck however didn't notice anything except, "So if you're her father you must have been about what twelve when you had her?"

Christopher balked visibly and Lorelai started to feel a bit better.

"No, I was seventeen and Lorelai was sixteen." He smiled at her and she swore she saw ooze coming out of his pours.

Suzanne put her two cents in, "Yes, it was quite the scandal at the time. We all thought Lorelai would marry Christopher but she was always a free spirit, and so she left for Stars Hollow where she apparently met this man who owns a diner."

She was always trying to win her father-in-law's approval and she was surprised that he was friends with this yokel from the back woods so she almost missed what he said as he laughed.

"Oh, Suzie, don't be naïve, this is Lucas Buech Danes, owner of B-D Corporation in New York City. He's got plants and businesses all over the world." Chuck smiled at Suzanne who looked whiter than a sheet. She was fine with Lorelai being beneath her, but this marriage set her way above all the other mothers there.

Luke was concerned about Lorelai leaning on him so he put his arm around her and his hand ended up on the right side of her stomach. He felt Lilibet kick and he looked at Lorelai who smiled at him. This gave him the strength to take control of the situation.

"Listen, Chuck, it was great seeing you again but Lorelai's been on her feet too long and so we're going to find some nice place to sit and wait for the show. Christopher, I believe that Emily's looking for you." He shot the tipsy man a look and it was returned with an unsteady glare.

The older man looked concerned, "Of course Lucas, get her off her feet and let her rest. I remember when Suzie here was pregnant with their fourth, she swelled up like a balloon. Lorelai you look beautiful and I can see how you finally caught this guy. I can't tell you how many women had thrown themselves at him when we did business a couple of years ago. But he wouldn't budge, some of them thought he might not play in their ball-field if you get my drift. They'll be heartbroken to hear how wrong they were!"

Chuck was laughing as Luke's face went red. Lorelai was not sure whether to be insulted or laugh out loud when she felt Luke's grip tighten. "Well Chuck, I'm really the lucky one, once I got Lorelai to go out with me I made sure she knows how much I need her and Rory in my life. It's something I try and let them know everyday."

Luke hadn't meant to say that but he couldn't help but take a dig at Christopher for walking out on his daughter like that so many years before. Christopher didn't miss that one and he huffed away probably in search of Emily, at least Luke hoped so.

Luke led Lorelai away from the Owens' and towards a table down front. Lorelai slipped her hand into Luke's and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm so sorry that Suzanne caught me babe."

Luke leaned over and kissed her temple. "Not a problem, I'm really surprised that she's the daughter-in-law of Chuck. You should have heard him complain about her when we were working on the merger with Hayden. Thank God he didn't mention what company we were buying when Christopher was standing there."

Lorelai smiled at him, "So the ladies were all about the Luke-ster huh? How did you keep them at bay?"

Luke sighed and rolled his eyes. "The same way I kept them off before and since, I don't pay attention to that. There has only been one woman I've wanted for the past six years and since she's currently carrying my baby I don't need more."

Lorelai looked wickedly at him. "Maybe I need to call them up and let them know just what they're missing?"

Luke returned her challenge and she felt his gaze right down to her stomach and a little lower. "If you'd like after I remove that very expensive dress from you I'll help you categorize all the different ways I can please you. We'll need to get a few dozen notebooks and it may take all night."

He looked at her as though he was about to devour her at that moment. All Lorelai could respond with was, "Oh my."

Luke grinned as he lowered his voice, "You remember that when these dogs start sniffing around my beautiful fertile, fecund wife. You're mine Lorelai and I'm yours forever."

Lorelai had lost her voice and all she could do was nod as she licked her lips. Luke was leaning in to kiss her when Richard came rushing up to their table. "Luke my boy, thank God! You're needed upstairs!"

Luke looked confused. "Richard, Christopher is here. I'm on husband duty. Didn't you see him?"

Richard rolled his eyes. "My boy, everyone in this room has seen Christopher right before he passed out in the punch bowl. Poor Rory doesn't know any of this and I'd like to keep it that way. Security has escorted Christopher out of the building and she needs to be presented."

Luke's blood was boiling and he shook his head. "Of course I'm here for her Richard. Would you mind sitting with Lorelai to keep the wolves out of my henhouse?"

He smiled at his wife who was taking offense at his attitude. He winked and whispered in her ear. Lorelai laughed and turned red so Richard decided not to enquire what Luke had said.

Luke ran up the back stairs and saw Rory who looked very lost and concerned. He mentally beat Christopher into a bloody pulp as he walked up to her. He didn't see all the other girls whisper as he approached her. She looked up and smiled right before she threw her arms around his neck.

He heard her breathing become uneven and he whispered. "Now Rory, don't cry or your grandmother will have a temper tantrum."

She laughed and this kept the tears at bay. They were still filling her eyes as she whispered. "He didn't come did he?"

Luke smiled gently at her. "He showed Rory, but he didn't feel well and so your grandfather sent him home. Will I do as a stand in?"

Rory smiled up at him and nodded her head. "Somehow this feels right; it would've felt more like dad was the stand-in."

Luke didn't know how to answer that so he made a joke. "Well, once you feel my feet on yours during the dance I'm not sure you'll still feel that way."

Rory rolled her eyes and laughed, feeling for the first time this evening like she might get through it in one piece.

The coordinator came into the room to let all the girls and their fathers know that they needed to line up. Luke went down stairs to wait with the other presenters and Rory stood behind six other girls. One of them was chatting with the girl in front of her when she turned around to look at Rory. "So was that your dad? He's so hot."

Rory shrugged, "Stepfather."

Miss Chatty squealed. "Ooh! That's so cool. Just think in a few years you'll be able to give your mother a run for her money!"

With that she turned around waiting to be called. Rory had a shudder go down her back at the thought. Even if you get past the ick factor of five hundred with Luke being her half sister's dad, and the weirdness of being attracted to Luke's nephew that she would be forever tied to because of her baby sister, still the idea that a girl would go after her stepfather was way beyond reality. Yep Hartford society had it's own brand of weird. She was once again glad her mom had kept her out of it for as long as she could.

Rory watched Luke on the stairs as she got closer to him. He did look very handsome in his tux and she remembered all the things he'd done for her and her mom as they were growing up. He was the one who should be presenting her. He'd had a huge impact in how she grew up, his listening to her on the nights her mom worked late, all the small things he did for her and now making sure she had a balanced diet. Rory smiled at him as the woman announced, "Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, daughter of Lorelai Victoria Gilmore Danes and Christopher Francis Hayden. Presented this evening by Lucas Buech Danes."

Rory could feel Luke flinch when his full name was read and she shot him a sorrowful glance, but Luke winked at her and smiled making Rory feel much better. She knew he was paying for the sins of her father and she didn't know how to let him know how much that meant to her.

They danced around the small floor with all the other puff balls and she was struck by how good a dancer he was. Her mom always said he was but it's another thing to waltz in front of so many people. Their time came to an end as Luke looked in her eyes and squeezed her hand. She smiled up at him and was surprised to see tears in his eyes. Before she had time to process it Logan came to dance with her and Luke went back to his table with her mom.

Luke was almost unable to see the table for the tears in his eyes. Lorelai was unashamedly crying and he knew she was probably thinking the same thing; Rory was indeed a young woman. He wasn't ready to let her go yet so Lorelai must have been feeling it even more.

Lorelai took his hand as they watched this Logan kid waltz with Rory. Luke was about ready to take him out if his hand went any lower on her back. He was aware of Lorelai grinning at him so he leaned over. "What?"

She giggled, "You're such a daddy. I see you ready to pounce on that kid. Lighten up babe, Rory is almost done coming out and this kid will be a distant memory soon."

Luke wasn't as sure as Lorelai especially when this blond woman came over to their table. "Excuse me are you Emily and Richard's daughter?"

Lorelai was surprised but nodded her head.

"I thought so, I'm Shira Huntzberger, that boy dancing with your daughter is my son Logan. I just want to tell you what a splendid couple they make. Don't you think so? Two powerhouse families joined together?"

Luke almost choked on his drink as he sputtered, "What?!"

Lorelai was in shock, from all Rory had said about Logan's mother she was sure this woman didn't want Rory anywhere near her son. "I'm sorry, what are you talking about?"

"Why the Huntzbergers and the Buechs of course. If those two join together just think how much could be accomplished." Shira was serious and Luke was about to blow a gasket.

"These are two kids you're talking about!" he hissed. "Not a merger of companies! Rory is too young to think about these things!"

"Luke," Lorelai started to try and calm him down. "Babe, I'm sure Mrs. Huntzberger was just speculating on future events that would never take place before Rory finished college. Of course Rory's too young."

Lorelai shot a glare at Shira that caused her to back away form the table. How could that woman possibly think she'd encourage her daughter to date a boy from such an uptight family?

On the way home that night Rory was reliving the evening and while she enjoyed Logan's company she was a bit weirded out by the whole Hartford society. Luke and Lorelai were still trying to process the bizarre behavior of Shira when Rory broke the silence.

"Hey Luke, the girls at this thing thought you were hot." Lorelai giggled and shot Luke a look who rolled his eyes.

"Am I supposed to say thank you?"

Rory giggled and said, "I'm not sure, but they said that in five years I'll be able to give mom a run for her money."

Lorelai understood right away and she gasped as she turned to look at her daughter. It took Luke a while longer to figure out what they were talking about but when it sank in he slumped down in the seat and said, "Aw jeez!"

While the rest of them were at the cotillion Jess was holding down the fort at the diner. It was almost closing and he was the only one left in the place. He looked up when he heard the bells jingle and was very surprised to see Dean standing across the floor from him. His eyes narrowed as he said, "Just closing up. What do you want?"

Dean looked around before he stared Jess down. "She wants more than this. Don't you see that? And all you are is this. That guy will give her the world. What could you possibly give her?"

"Look Dean, I'm not dating Rory. I don't know where you get this from, but I'd stop smoking whatever it is you've got." Jess was feeling a bit uneasy because Dean's words were actually voicing the thoughts in his head.

"This town, it's all you are, and it's not enough. She's going to get bored, and you can't take her anywhere. You'll never be what he is."

Dean was trying to get a rise out of Jess because it was actually his life that he knew Rory would hate. She never would have stayed with him, when he saw that blond guy he knew. But he wanted to take someone else down with him.

The problem was, Jess thought the same thing too. When Jess just stood and looked at him Dean turned and left. Never realizing the wake of destruction he'd left in his path.